SuSE Linux, a seller of the open-source operating system, has begun a partnership with IBM to bundle its software with Big Blue products geared for high-tech cash registers.

The companies hope the deal will help Linux move into the so-called point-of-sale (POS) terminal market, where IBM already has a strong position, Big Blue and SuSE plan to announce Thursday. POS terminals handle tasks such as recording transactions, sending charge requests to credit card companies and banks, and issuing receipts.

The move is the latest example of the growth of Linux into "embedded" computing systems such as video recorders or radar systems that have chips and operating systems but aren't conventional computers.

Linux leader Red Hat has largely bypassed embedded Linux to focus on tuning the open-source operating system for servers and desktop computers. But others such as MontaVista Software, TimeSys and LynuxWorks are aggressively pursuing the market.

The combined product will include a version of SuSE's Linux tailored for POS terminals, IBM's SurePOS terminals, as well as back-end servers and software to which the terminals connect over a network.

The Linux software is simplified for the retail environment, with various versions to work on bare-bones systems or more sophisticated ones that can run Web browsers or programs written for Sun Microsystems' Java software environment, the companies said.

About the author

Stephen Shankland has been a reporter at CNET since 1998 and covers browsers, Web development, digital photography and new technology. In the past he has been CNET's beat reporter for Google, Yahoo, Linux, open-source software, servers and supercomputers. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces.
See full bio